Vitale using large fundraising advantage to outspend opponents

April 28, 2014

Written by NATE SMITH

Nino Vitale of Urbana used a substantial financial advantage he’s built over the last year to severely outspend his opponents Doug Chamberlain of Bellefontaine and Robert Luckey of Sidney down the stretch in the race to represent the 85th Ohio House district.

85th Ohio House district candidates Doug Chamberlain, Nino Vitale and Robert Luckey

Friends to Elect Nino Vitale spent $82,178 between Jan. 1 and April 24, according to campaign finance reports filed last week with Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

About $77,000 was spent with the political consulting firm JPL & Associates of Columbus for services including printing, postage, installation of a telephone system and yard signs.

Another $3,500 was paid to Wenzel Polling of Toledo for polling.

The Vitale campaign also spent $100 to rent out Great Stone Castle in Sidney for an event.

Mr. Vitale’s campaign has reported $81,710.04 in contributions since January 2013.

Mr. Chamberlain has reported $40,528.88 in contributions in that time. Mr. Luckey has reported about $3,000 in contributions over the course of his campaign.

As the May 6 primary nears, Mr. Chamberlain’s campaign has spent $33,352.69 in 2014 — most of that coming within the last month.